A vehicle struck and killed 13-year-old Ali Hashim Tuesday while he was riding his bike at the corner of Merle Hay Road and Northwest 66th Avenue.

The driver of the truck, 36-year-old Matthew Scott Nielsen, remained at the scene and is cooperating with police.

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Hashim was an eighth-grader at Johnston Middle School. School district officials said many students took advantage of counseling services provided Wednesday to help them cope with the loss of their dear friend.

The Rev. John Kline, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Des Moines, is a close friend of Hashim's family and said he went to Blank Children’s Hospital Tuesday night to comfort them.

"He is the light of his parents’ eyes, the joy of his family, and his loss will just be so keenly felt throughout the entire community,” Kline said.

Johnston Mayor Paula Dierenfeld released a statement Wednesday, saying, "We ask the community to provide comfort and support to Ali's friends and family in the days and months ahead."

"We’re just grieving and trying to help in any way we can,” Kline said.

A memorial fund has been established and contributions can be made to Ali Hashim Memorial Fund, Zion Lutheran Church, 4300 Beaver Drive, Des Moines, Iowa, 50310. A group of Hashim’s best friends set up a GoFundMe page.

Both funds will go toward funeral costs.

Kline said those who knew Hashim lost a great person.

"He made life look so easy and fun, and people were just attracted to him, and he has so many friends,” Kline said.

The accident remains under investigation and the Johnston Police Department continues to work in partnership with the Iowa State Patrol. Johnston police will provide updates when they come available.

Police said they do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.